Jim Nelson ’70 and Bill Rice ’78 will make a return to the University campus April 4 to share their knowledge - first, in the morning during the engineering undergraduate seminar, and then in the afternoon with students in Prof. Frank Duserick’s Family Business Management course. They will also join a group of engineering students for a luncheon roundtable.

Their messages to students will include offering some skills needed for success in the global workplace.

Jim was a member of Kappa Psi Upsilon fraternity. He earned a bachelor of science in ceramic engineering, participated in tennis and assisted the management of the men’s soccer team while a student. Jim received an MBA in 1978 from Gannon University.

He was employed as an engineer with GE prior to his tenure with M&M (Mars Chocolate) in Cleveland, TN, which produces all varieties of M&M'S® Chocolate Candies, and TWIX® Cookie Bars. He worked in a number of managerial positions within M&M including commodity purchasing and materials manager.

Jim, now retired, resides in Ooltewah, TN, with his wife, Diane.

Bill retired as Vice President of Mining at Alcoa, Inc., a producer of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum, alumina and bauxite in October 2012. He was employed with Alcoa for 30 years which included living in several locations in the United States as well as living in Europe for six years and Australia for four years.

Bill and his wife Debbie have hosted Oktoberfest receptions for Alfred alumni at their home in 2010, 2011 and 2012. The Rices reside in Friendsville, TN.